The Hindu : Front Page : UDF sets 3-month deadline to complete SNC Lavalin probe

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Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005

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UDF sets 3-month deadline to complete SNC Lavalin probe

Special Correspondent

Chandy to give a fitting reply to Opposition's charges: Thankachan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDF Liaison Committee has set a three-month deadline for the Government to complete the ongoing vigilance inquiry into the SNC Lavalin deal relating to the renovation of the Panniyar, Sengulam and Pallivasal hydro-electric projects.

UDF convener P. P. Thankachan, who briefed media persons about the outcome of the committee meeting that continued its session, said that the ruling coalition did not want to use the SNC Lavalin case as a political weapon, but it recommended a three-month deadline as the people had the right to know the facts. The decision to order a vigilance inquiry was taken on the basis of the recommendations of the Subject Committee presided over by the then Water Resources Minister, T. M. Jacob. The committee comprises both opposition and ruling front members. Mr. Jacob had demanded in writing a probe by a senior vigilance officer into the deal. It was after this, the Antony Government issued orders, he said.

Mr. Thankachan said the Government did not want to target an individual, but the case related to a Rs.374-crore loss to the State exchequer. "The probe would proceed on the basis of the Accountant General's and the Subject Committee's reports, he said.

The decision in this regard was unanimously taken and there was no difference of opinion among the coalition partners, he added.

The Chief Minister would give a fitting reply to the Opposition charges, besides explaining the Government position on the SNC Lavalin case when he replies to the no-confidence motion on Tuesday, the UDF convener said.

According to UDF sources, the Government would seek to expose the LDF charges, particularly on the SNC Lavalin issue. It would also seek to break the rather efficient floor coordination between the LDF and the Kerala Congress (Jacob) and the Kerala Congress (B) through appropriate exposures in the House.

Mr. Thankachan's reference to Mr. Jacob's role in ordering the vigilance probe is a clear indication of the UDF's thinking, the sources said. Besides, Mr. Jacob's role in the JBIC decisions of the Kerala Water Authority would be brought out in the Assembly, they said.

The striking feature of the current session has been the floor coordination between the LDF and the two Kerala Congresses, particularly T. M. Jacob. Mr. Jacob has been dominating the Opposition space, with the CPI (M) only too willing to allot more time to the two-member KC (Jacob) in the Assembly. Mr. Jacob has been giving more headaches to the Chief Minister than the Opposition, prompting the ruling front to adopt a twin-strategy while facing the no-confidence motion. The debate would enter its final day on Tuesday with both sides fielding senior leaders in the House.

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